About Us
In collaboration with the Impendle Municipality, we have crafted a welcoming environment that attracts both local and international tourists. Our goal is to increase awareness of our local establishments and create more job opportunities within our communities.
This website provides information about the various establishments and activities in the area. Please note that we do not handle bookings, rates, or booking calendars. For these details, please visit the websites listed below to browse, find reviews, and confidently book your stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful region!
Our Area
This region's rolling hills, lush forests, lakes, waterfalls, and dams create an ideal setting for those seeking both tranquility and adventure. The villages of Boston and Impendle, along with the Dargle area, are vibrant hubs for activities such as hiking, walking, fishing, birding, cycling, horse riding, and off-road motorbike riding. Additionally, the nearby Bulwer area offers exceptional para and hang-gliding opportunities, particularly from Bulwer Mountain, also known as Mahwaqa Mountain or 'the frowning one,' making it a major attraction.
Originally traversed by San hunter-gatherers who moved freely through the southern Drakensberg, the area later became a destination for Boer settlers after 1837 during their Great Trek from the Cape Colony. These settlers must have viewed the area as a kind of Eden, with its inviting landscape providing a welcome refuge.
Home to over 250 bird species, the region is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Notably, it shelters three endangered species: the Wattled Crane, Blue Swallow, and Cape Parrot. With only around 360 breeding pairs of the Cape Parrot remaining, the area's conservation efforts are crucial.
We invite you to explore and experience the beauty and diversity of the Boston, Dargle, and Impendle area, where every visit is a step into a vibrant natural paradise.
Gallery
In the Area
-
- Massages at Dargle Forest Lodge – By Appointment Only
- Enduro Off-Road Motocycle Trails (guided)
- Trail Runs
- Hiking
- Mountain Bike Trails
- Trout and Bass Fishing
- Rock Art – Impendle
- Impendle Nature Reserve
- Loteni Nature Reserve
- Inzinga Home Stays and Cultural Experience
- Local Arts and Crafts
- Indigenous Faith – Amabhidiya Mission
- Midmar Dam (approx. 30kms)
- Horse-riding – Thakazela Horse Trails
- The famous Midlands Meander
- Paragliding at Bulwer
Eating Out
Picklepot Café is the tranquil “middle of nowhere” destination that travel-weary drivers look for around each corner whilst travelling the R617 between Howick and Bulwer.
The owner-manager is a connoisseur of homemade pickles, especially chilli recipes of which there are several varieties to choose from the sample boards served with the meals. Take Aways can also be ordered for collection.
Children delight in the simple joys of the adventure playground set alongside a bubbling stream and indigenous wetland, with catch and release fishing at the little bass dam and a rambling hike through indigenous mistbelt forest.
Find Picklepot Café alongside the R617 Main Road, which connects the southern Drakensberg towns of Kokstad, Ixopo, Creighton, Underberg and Bulwer with the Midlands Meander, Howick and Pietermaritzburg.
Facebook – Picklepot Café
Situated between Boston and Dargle, on the P132 district road.
Our Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 8 am till 4 pm, for all-day breakfast, meals, and eats and drinks from our menu. Please pre-book before 3 pm for dinner, arriving no later than 6 pm. For midweek restaurant service and functions, we take pre-bookings.
Day hiking through our natural Forests and up the iNhlosane Mountain, fee payable at reception which includes refreshments afterwards at the restaurant. No booking necessary unless arriving before 8am.
Located between Boston and Dargle, on the P132 district road.
dargleforestlodge.co.za
The Lapa Café serves breakfasts, light lunches, and dinners
Open to day visitors, pre-bookings Only.
Call us on 083 234 0436 or email: [email protected]
Facilities & Services
Police Station, Boston Garage and coffee shop, Boston Cash Store, Buzi Cash & Carry.
Municipal Offices, Public Library, Police Station, Community Hall, Post Office, Super Markets, Clothes Stores
Useful Contact Numbers:
Impendle Municipality – 033 996 0771
Thusong Center – 033 996 0443
Impendle SAPS – 033 996 0851
Social Development – 033 996 0411
Sassa – 033 996 0947
Impendle Library – 033 996 0330
Gomane Clinic – 033 996 0828
IEC – 033 996 0601
Home Affairs – 033 996 0009
Accommodation
dargleforestlodge.co.za
Self catering accommodation, upper Dargle
www.copperleightroutcottages.co.za
Self catering accommodation, upper Dargle/Impendle
Luxurious self catering cottages, Upper Dargle / Impendle
[email protected]
064 756 8469
www.calderwood.co.za
Upper Dargle
Country Cottage -
Home Stay Business – 071 354 6076 / 076 778 1883
Mama Zuma Home Stay – 082 424 2288